Barcelona players get 'Simpsons' treatment

Playing in this summer's World Cup will undoubtedly be an honor for Barcelona's feared foursome of Lionel Messi, Neymar, Xavi and Andres Iniesta. But then a lot of players can say they've done that.

How many can say they've been "Simpsonized" though?

As part of a partnership between 20th Century Fox and FC Barcelona, the four players will have their likenesses reproduced, "The Simpsons"-style, in their red-and-blue striped Barca uniforms on a broad line of team merchandise.

Six other players Barcelona players will eventually be added, part of a program to mark the 25th anniversary of the animated TV show.

Other international clubs involved in the project include Chelsea, Juventus, Boca Juniors, Zenit Saint Petersburg and Corinthians.

And though "The Simpsons" have featured more than 600 celebrity guests -- including athletes such as Darryl Strawberry, Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly and Mike Scioscia -- in episodes, Barcelona said there are no plans for its players to be written into the cartoon.